"All Summer Long"

Melody Carlson

She's ready to take on a new challenge. What she doesn't expect is an old flame.
Tia D'Amico is thrilled to move to San Francisco to help her aunt transform an old luxury yacht into an upscale floating restaurant. What's not to love? Sunset dinner cruises, posh wedding receptions--the possibilities are endless and far more appetizing than staying in a monotonous job in her Podunk hometown. Besides, some of her best memories are tied to San Francisco--especially the memory of Leo Parker, her crush from a long-ago sailing camp.

When Leo Parker himself turns out to be the yacht's captain, Tia is floating on air. But will it all come crashing down around her when she discovers his heart belongs to someone else?

Get ready for a romantic summer in San Francisco, where the future glistens brighter than the Bay at sunset.

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While I was looking forward to reading another book by Melody Carlson, as I usually enjoy her books, this one I did not.  From the description of the book, I was anticipating a fun, "San Fransisco vacation".   Unfortunately, this book was anything but that. The description of the scenery was beautiful, but the rest of the book seemed more like a soap opera.  

There were also instances where Tia and her friend (that is a girl) were joking as if they were more than friends.  That is not appreciated nor welcomed here.  I was raised that sin is sin and to make fun of sin is just as much of a sin than the sin you are making fun of.  This ruined the whole book for me.  Never would I expect to read such material in a "Christian" fiction novel.  

 

I cannot recommend this book. 

 

I RECEIVED THIS COMPLIMENTARY BOOK FROM REVELL PUBLISHERS FOR REVIEW PURPOSES.

 

"Sea Rose Lane"

Irene Hannon

 Two people starting over . . . in a town known for second chances
After a devastating layoff, attorney Eric Nash heads back to Hope Harbor--only to discover that his childhood home is being transformed into a bed and breakfast. Instead of plotting his next career move in peace, he's constantly distracted by noise, chaos--and BJ Stevens, the attractive but prickly blonde architect who's invaded the house with her motley crew. As for BJ, her client's son might be handsome, but after a disastrous romance, dating isn't high on her agenda. Yet when they join forces for to help Hope Harbor seniors, might they also find healing, hope, and a new beginning themselves?

Come home to Hope Harbor--where hearts heal . . . and love blooms

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"Sea Rose Lane" is a sweet, charming read.  Where small town people and big as life problems collide, this book has it all.  You will be swept away by this darling little town of Hope Harbor, because the people are so delightful and genuine.  

At first, I wasn't sure if I was going to like this book, but I was proven wrong!  The characters are so vivid and easy to relate to.  I especially felt like I could relate to BJ, given her struggle with her weight and her love for the elderly.  For once the heroine didn't just naturally have a Barbie figure, she had to work at being trim, just like the rest of us do.  Most times in a book the girl has a perfect figure, perfect hair etc. and is unrealistic.  I'm glad that Irene Hannon made BJ real!  

Eric was a big sweetheart and a very understanding man.  While his personality isn't the norm for men these days, it should be.  I love how he reached out to Luis and tried his best to be the friend that Luis needed.  

Luis' story broke my heart.  What a devastating blow, but God wasn't done with him yet!  

Charlie was also a favorite!  I'm not a big seafood person. In fact, I don't like seafood at all, but the way Hannon wrote about those fish tacos, I was actually craving some!  Charlie's insight was uncanny!  Could he be an angel?  :)

Each and every character was unique and special.  By reading Sea Rose Lane, I feel as if I'm a part of this charming, little town.  

I highly recommend this book!  You will not be disappointed if you read this novel and if you don't, you'll be missing out!  It is book 2, but is also a stand alone novel.  I didn't read book 1 and was not confused one bit by starting with book 2.  

Read more about the book here.

I RECEIVED THIS COMPLIMENTARY BOOK FROM REVELL PUBLISHERS FOR REVIEW PURPOSES.

 

"Silence In The Dark"

Patricia Bradley

Bailey Adams is running for her life . . . again.
When Bailey Adams left Logan Point two years ago she thought she was getting away from her problems. Running into her ex-fiancé Danny Maxwell was not part of the plan--neither was being chased through the city by the local drug cartel, the Calatrava. Now despite her best efforts, Danny is her only chance of escaping the people chasing her and getting back to Logan Point safely. Can Bailey find the strength to face what's coming? And in the midst of the chaos, can she keep herself from falling in love with her rescuer all over again?

With lean, fast-paced prose that will keep you turning the pages, Patricia Bradley pens a superb story of suspense and second chances.

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Patricia Bradley's "Silence In The Dark" is her best book yet!  A non-stop, action packed, suspense-filled, roller coaster ride of a book.  It was so hard to put down.  The characters were very well developed and each had a bit of a mystery to them, which made me keep guessing who was the guilty one.  Just when I thought I had it figured out, I changed my mind. 

"Silence In The Dark" has just the right amount of suspense and romance and they blended so well together in this book.  This one is for sure my favorite of Patricia Bradley's work. 

The characters and the story still plays vividly in my mind, even though I finished it a while ago.  I feel as if I've lost some dear friends now that I'm done reading the book.  They were so vivid!

Read more about the book here.

I  RECEIVED THIS COMPLIMENTARY BOOK FROM REVELL PUBLISHERS FOR REVIEW PURPOSES. 

 

"Always Watching"

Lynette Eason

Intensity. Skill. Tenacity.
The bodyguards of Elite Guardians Agency have it all.
When it becomes clear that popular psychiatrist and radio personality Wade Savage has a stalker, his father secretly hires Elite Guardians to protect his son. But when Wade's bodyguard is attacked and nearly killed, agency owner Olivia Edwards must step in and fill the gap.

Olivia's skills are about to be tested to the limit as Wade's stalker moves from leaving innocent gifts at his door to threatening those closest to him--including Olivia. But in her mind, even more dangerous than the threats to her life is the hold her handsome client has on her heart.

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Wow!  "Always Watching" is a non-stop, action-packed, suspense-filled page turner.  It was hard to put this book down.  

The stalker part was creepy, but well, stalkers usually are.  But somehow it just kept drawing you in, even if it did scare you a little.

While most of the book kept me guessing, I figured out who the stalker was half-way through the book, but the book still kept my interest.  However, I wasn't able to figure out who the other culprits were so early on in the book, but eventually I did.  I don't think that it was obvious, I just happened to figure it out. 

I love the courage of Wade's daughter and how she shined in this book.  While she suffered from panic attacks, she was able to come through when it mattered the most.

I'm really excited about this series and interested in the other Elite Bodyguards and their stories.  They kind of remind of Charlie's Angles (the originals), except there were four instead of three.  They have a closeness and almost sisterhood like relationship.  

This is definitely a series worth getting into.  I can't wait to read the rest of the series!  A must read for romantic suspense readers!

Read more about the book here.

I RECEIVED THIS COMPLIMENTARY BOOK FROM REVELL PUBLISHERS FOR REVIEW PURPOSES.

 

"Thin Ice"

Irene Hannon

If Ginny Reed is still alive--who is the woman buried in her grave?
After losing her parents and her sister, Christy Reed has been mired in grief. Now, life is finally starting to feel normal again--until an envelope addressed in her sister's handwriting arrives in the mail. And the note inside claims she is still alive.

FBI Special Agent Lance McGregor, a former Delta Force operator, is assigned to reopen the case . . . but he's coming up with more questions than answers. Is Christy a pawn in a twisted cat-and-mouse game--or the target of a sinister plot? As Lance digs deeper, one thing becomes clear: someone in the shadows has a deadly agenda.

Bestselling author and three-time RITA Award winner Irene Hannon pulls out all the stops in this high-stakes thriller that races to a bone-chilling finish.

********************************

An action packed read that will keep you on the edge of your seat.  

The characters are well developed, albeit the villain is creepy.  So I do not recommend reading this late at night if you want to sleep well.

If you like suspense than you will like this book that is filled with unique twists and turns.

Read more about the book here.

I RECEIVED THIS COMPLIMENTARY BOOK FROM REVELL PUBLISHERS FOR REVIEW PURPOSES.

 

"Vendetta"

Lisa Harris

"Filled with red herrings and heart-pounding danger, Vendetta will leave readers anxiously awaiting Nikki Boyd's next adventure."--Irene Hannon, bestselling author of the Private Justice series
No one needs to push Nikki Boyd to excel on the Tennessee Missing Persons Task Force. The case of her own missing sister, still unsolved after ten years, is the driving force in her work. When a Polaroid photo of a missing girl shows up at a crime scene, Nikki quickly recognizes similarities to the past. The closer she gets to the abductor, the more she feels this case has become personal, and she is not the hunter . . . but the hunted.

With this explosive first book in The Nikki Boyd Files, award-winning author Lisa Harris takes you on a fast-paced pursuit of justice that will have you holding your breath until the heart-stopping finish.

****************************

This book will have you reading late into the night and then it will frighten you until you're awake enough to read some more.  A novel that is filled with non-stop, heart-pounding twist and turns that will keep you in suspense.  

Lisa Harris makes this book so true to life it's actually pretty frightening.  Unfortunately, the events that happen in this book actually do happen.  I'm glad that she's trying to make everyone aware of the evil that's out there and to be cautious of what you post about yourself on social media and who you trust.

If you love romantic suspense than this is definitely the book for you.  Definitely more suspense than romance, but it's still a great page turner that will stick with you long after you read it.

Read more about the book here.

I RECEIVED THIS COMPLIMENTARY BOOK FROM REVELL PUBLISHERS FOR REVIEW PURPOSES.

 

"Murder At The Courthouse"

Ann Gabhart

Welcome to Hidden Springs
pop. 732 731
Michael Keane's stressful days as a Columbus police officer are done. He's ready to relax into his new position as deputy sheriff in his sleepy hometown. Nothing ever happens in Hidden Springs, Kentucky--and that's just fine with Michael.

Nothing, that is, until a dead body is discovered on the courthouse steps. As Michael works to solve the case, it seems that every nosy resident in town has a theory. When the sheriff insists Michael check out one of these harebrained theories, his surprising discovery sends him on a bewildering search for a mysterious killer that has him questioning everything he has ever believed about life in Hidden Springs.

Bringing with her a knack for creating settings you want to visit and an uncanny ability to bring characters to life, A. H. Gabhart pens a whodunit that will keep you guessing.

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A "cute" and quirky whodunit novel, yet predictable.  Things seemed to be obvious and not very mysterious.  For me, the more mysterious the better.  

A light read if you're not looking for something that completely draws you away from everything.  

The faith of the main characters is probably the best part of the book.

Read more about this book here.

I RECEIVED THIS COMPLIMENTARY BOOK FROM REVELL PUBLISHERS FOR REVIEW PURPOSES.  

 

"Keeping Christmas"

Dan Walsh

Stan opened the ugly ornaments box and pulled out the top three ornaments, the ones wrapped in green paper, the kids' favorites, and set them on the coffee table. He picked up the first one, the biggest one--Anna's blue pinecone--and began to unwrap it. Without thinking, Judith walked up, stopped him, and gently took it out of his hand. She wrapped it back up, set it carefully in the box. Then picked up the other two ornaments, put them in the box, and closed the flaps.

"What's the matter?" Stan said. "Did I do something wrong?"

"I don't think I can do this."


Nothing is more beautiful than family
For the first time since their children were born, empty nesters Judith and Stan Winters spent Thanksgiving without the kids, and it's looking like Christmas will be the same. Judith can't bring herself to even start decorating for the holiday; her kids always hung the first ornaments on the tree, ornaments they had made each year since they were toddlers. Sure, the ornaments were strange-looking--some were downright ugly--but they were tradition.

With Judith refusing to decorate the bare spruce tree in their living room, Stan's only hope for saving the holiday is found in a box of handmade ornaments . . .
 

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I could not really get into this book at first.  I was afraid that it was going to be a sad, depressing story and those just are not for me.  This book actually turns out being really sweet and heartwarming.  A true reminder of the importance of family and the memories that we create with them, not only at Christmas time, but year 'round.  

While we all may have different family traditions, they are intended to do the same thing, pull us together as a family.  Make us closer and remind us of good times.  That's what "Keeping Christmas" is all about. 

Read more about the book here.  

I RECEIVED THIS COMPLIMENTARY BOOK FROM REVELL PUBLISHERS FOR REVIEW PURPOSES.

 

"The Christmas Joy Ride"

Melody Carlson

Miranda did not put adventure on her Christmas list, but thanks to her eighty-five-year-old neighbor Joy, that's exactly what she's getting this year. When Joy tells Miranda that she plans to drive an old RV decked out in Christmas decorations from their Chicago neighborhood to her new retirement digs in Phoenix--in the dead of winter, no less--the much younger Miranda insists that Joy cannot make such a trip by herself. Unemployed and facing foreclosure, Miranda feels she has nothing to lose by packing a bag and heading off with Joy toward Route 66. But Joy has a hidden agenda for their Christmas joyride--one that could derail the whole venture.

No one captures the heartwarming fun of the Christmas season quite like Melody Carlson. Fasten your seat belt, because it's going to be an exciting ride!

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"The Christmas Joy Ride" is a beautiful, generous story that promotes true acts of selfless kindness.  This book helps remind us that we could all be more kind, more giving and definitely more selfless.  

While this book was a sweet and easy read, it was kind of slow going.  It wasn't until the very that I felt it picking up and then it just ended.  I wanted to see what was going to happen with Miranda and her new opportunities.

A great read for a winter day or any day.  This book will help you relax and enjoy your "me" time.

Read more about the book here.

I RECEIVED THIS COMPLIMENTARY BOOK FROM REVELL PUBLISHERS FOR REVIEW PURPOSES. 

 

"Through Waters Deep"

Sarah Sundin

It's 1941, America teeters on the brink of war.

Mary Stirling is a secretary at the Boston Navy Yard.  She runs into an old childhood friend, Ensign Jim Avery.  Jim is aboard a brand-new destroyer, the USS Atwood.

Sabotage is discovered on Jim's ship, so he and Mary work together to undercover the culprit.

What Jim doesn't know is that Mary has always had a crush on him.  But he only had eyes for a sparkling blond named Quintessa, Mary's best friend.

But as they work together, Jim begins to forget Quintessa and sees Mary as someone he could love forever.

Just as things seem to be heading in the right direction for Jim and Mary, Quintessa shows up after being dumped by her boyfriend.  So she comes to Boston in pursuit of Jim.

Meanwhile, the sabotage is escalating, putting both Jim and Mary in danger.

*******************************************

Sarah Sundin is a wonderful historical novelist.  She does such thorough research.   She portrays her stories so real to life that you feel as if you are there! 

This novel gave insight to how tense American feelings were prior World War II.  I admit that it did take me a while to get into it, but once I did, I really enjoyed it.  Reading about all of the technical ship stuff was kind of difficult because I'm not familiar with ships.

Mary was a true heroine in this book!  God gave her the strength to overcome her fears.  Once she overcame them, she was used of God more and became the person God intended her to be. 

I love how Jim and Mary encouraged each other in the Lord.  The way they openly talked about God to each other was refreshing.  They trusted God throughout the whole book, with big things and small things,   not just when it was convenient. Since they already trusted God with the small things, it was a lot easier for them to trust God with the big things.  That is how we should be as well. 

I love WWII historical novels and Sarah is one of the best authors for writing them! 

Read more about the book here.

I RECEIVED THIS COMPLIMENTARY BOOK FROM REVELL PUBLISHERS AND LITFUSE FOR REVIEW PURPOSES.

 

"The Innocent"

Ann H. Gabhart

Carlyn Kearney has been waiting two long and lonely years for her husband, not knowing if he was dead or alive.  The war between the states has ended, but she hasn't heard a word.

Penniless, with a mortgage on her home, she is forced to leave and seek refuge at the Shaker Village of Harmony Hill.  But the Shakers have peculiar ways and ideas, one is they don't like dogs and Carlyn isn't allowed to keep her protector and companion.  

Carlyn receives a letter while at the Shaker Village that confirms her worst fear.  Her husband is dead.

While She is at the Shaker Village, mysterious deaths begin to occur and Carlyn is blamed.  She doesn't know who the murderer could be.  It could even be someone inside the village.  But Carlyn ends up trusting the wrong person and puts herself into danger.  Will help come in time?  

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While reading this book about the Shaker religion, I found myself wondering how people can come up with all these weird thoughts and ideas, which are so contradictory to the Bible.  

Ann Gabhart has done extensive research and it shows.  

It was a good read when right prevailed.  

Read more about the book here.

I RECEIVED THIS COMPLIMENTARY BOOK FROM REVELL PUBLISHERS FOR REVIEW PURPOSES.

 

"Gone Without A Trace"

Patricia Bradley

The past is repeating itself--and time is running out
It's been more than two years since homicide detective Livy Reynolds's cousin disappeared from Logan Point. Unlike most people in her hometown, Livy has never believed that Robyn left voluntarily. When Dallas private investigator Alex Jennings contacts her concerning a senator's missing granddaughter who was last seen in Logan Point, Livy notices eerie similarities between the two disappearances. With self-doubt plaguing her and an almost instant dislike of the self-assured PI, she's finding this investigation an uphill battle. But with the prospect of finding her cousin on the horizon, she'll have to find a way to work with Alex--before it's too late.
 

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"Gone Without A Trace" is a must read for those who enjoy Christian romantic-suspense.  You will not be disappointed!  This book is filled with unexpected twists and turns that keep the pages turning.  I must say I liked this book a lot better than I liked book two.  (I didn't get to read book one.)  The characters weren't as thick-headed as in book two, well, maybe Robyn's husband was a little.  They were also very likeable and not as predictable as you would think they would be.  

Also, the characters remind us that we should always trust God and except the unexpected that He allows to come our way.  Family is important and when a family is rooted in God they will always be there for you and the be the family they should be.  Also, we shouldn't give on people, especially our family!  We may not know the whole story and our assumptions can lead to disaster. 

Just when you think you have it all figured out, you find out that you don't.  I thought for sure that I had the villain pegged, but I was wrong.  Patricia Bradley keeps you guessing until the end!

Read more about the book here.

I RECEIVED THIS COMPLIMENTARY BOOK FROM REVELL PUBLISHERS FOR REVIEW PURPOSES.

 

"Desperate Measure"

Sandra Orchard

Kate won't be safe until all of Port Aster's secrets are revealed
Researcher Kate Adams has finally pinpointed the supposed "miracle plant" that tore apart her family years ago. She's certain that discovering its secrets is her only hope of solving the mystery surrounding her father's disappearance. She's willing to risk anything to find the truth, including her relationship with Detective Tom Parker. But with so many people in pursuit of the plant, going it alone might be a fatal mistake.

Award-winning author Sandra Orchard pulls out all the stops in this breakneck and breathtaking conclusion to the Port Aster Secrets series.

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Sandra Orchard is excellent at writing romantic suspense novels.  This is the second book that I have read by her and I loved it!  The story picked up right where it left off in book two, with non-stop adventure and suspense.  

Although I was still a bit confused about the crime and everything that it involved, and had a hard time keeping up with who was who, I still enjoyed this book.  There were a lot of different characters and at times it was a bit confusing.  

With all of the different characters involved, you don't know who to trust and who not to.  One minute they're acting like Kate's best friend and the next you suspect them as up to something.  The only person that Kate knows she can trust is Detective Tom.  Then she doesn't trust him half the time because he doesn't tell her everything so he can protect her better.  

While Kate is a devout Christian, and everyone knows it, she didn't seem as devout as was lead to believe.  Yes, she relied on God, but almost as an afterthought.  Not until the end did they really talk about Him.  

If you enjoy reading romantic, Christian suspense, then you will enjoy this book and author.  But I do suggest reading these books in order.  They're not stand alone novels.  

Read more about the book here.

I RECEIVED THIS COMPLIMENTARY BOOK FROM REVELL PUBLISHERS FOR REVIEW PURPOSES.  

 

"In Firefly Valley"

Amanda Cabot

Devastated by a downsizing, Marisa St. George has no choice but to return to the small Texas town where she grew up. Though it means a giant step backward, she accepts a position as business manager at the struggling Rainbow's End resort. The only silver lining: Blake Kendall, a new guest who might make her believe in love at first sight. But will Marisa's dreams of happily-ever-after be turned upside down when she discovers Blake's real identity?

This warm and witty story of dreams deferred and mistaken identity will have you believing in second chances.

*******************************

Amanda Cabot know how to write an easy, laid-back read.  Her books are always light, and have good life lessons in them.  

I was a bit disappointed that Laurel and Drew didn't get their own book, but they did get their story.  

Read more about the book here.

I RECEIVED THIS COMPLIMENTARY BOOK FOR FREE FROM REVELL PUBLISHERS FOR REVIEW PURPOSES.  

 

"As Love Blooms"

Lorna Seilstad

Tessa Gregory, the youngest of the 3 Gregory sisters, is the most adventurous and daring.  

Living in a time where she is hampered because she is a woman, she longs to be a horticulturist.  However, that is only a position a man is allowed to have.  She applies for a position at the city's prestigious Como Park in Saint Paul Minnesota, but is turned down because she is a woman.

She meets Reese King, gardener at the Park, and convinces him to help her prove she is worthy of the position.  Disguised as a boy, she works with Reese side by side.  But Reese doesn't see her as a boy.  He sees her as a lovely young lady.  

Then Reese finally wins the approval of his father and also his coveted position with Tessa's Garden design.  Tessa expects him to tell of her help, but he doesn't say a word.  

Heartbroken and angry, can she ever trust him again?

**************************************

I enjoyed this book very much.  The books about the Gregory girls are always a good read.  There is just the right amount of romance, adventure and suspense.  

The best books are the ones which provide unexpected and unpredictable twists and these do!  

Read more about the book here.

I RECEIVED THIS COMPLIMENTARY BOOK FOR FREE FROM REVELL PUBLISHERS FOR REVIEW PURPOSES.

 

"Every Bride Needs A Groom"

Janice Thomspon

Somewhere in a sea of tulle and taffeta, satin and crepe, Katie Fisher needs to find a key ingredient of the perfect wedding--the groom.
Small-town girl Katie Fisher is busy planning her fairy-tale wedding. Sure, her boyfriend hasn't managed to pop the question just yet, but that doesn't mean she shouldn't enter a contest in Texas Bride magazine to win the dress of her dreams, right? Anyway, she's sure he'll be getting down on one knee any time now. And a one-of-a-kind designer dress doesn't just fall out of the sky right when you need it.

But when Katie's boyfriend takes a job in another town and breaks up with her--on the very same day she wins her dream dress--her world is turned upside down. Dare she go to Dallas to claim her prize? And will the hunky pro basketball player who runs the beyond-swanky bridal shop--yeah, you read that right--discover her humiliating secret if she does?

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I have always enjoyed reading Janice Thompson's books and looking forward to this one.  I must say, it wasn't as great as I thought it would be.  The story line was funny but a but far-fetched.  I didn't understand why the dress was such a big secret.

Janice Thompson always gives creative chapter titles, that's something that I have always enjoyed about her books.  The chapter titles in this book were all Loretta Lynn song titles.  That was neat.  

There were innuendos in this book that were not necessary and unappreciated.  It's never funny to make light of sin.  

As always, this was a light-hearted read, with likeable characters.

Read more about the book here.

 I RECEIVED THIS COMPLIMENTARY BOOK FOR FREE FROM REVELL PUBLISHERS FOR REVIEW PURPOSES.

 

"Buried Secrets"

Irene Hannon

They both wanted quieter, safer lives.
But crime never sleeps . . .
and killers keep killing.
After years as a Chicago homicide detective, Lisa Grant is ready for the kinder, gentler life of a small-town police chief. But the discovery of a human skeleton by a construction crew at the edge of town taxes department resources. Enter ex-Navy SEAL Mac McGregor, the detective sent by the county to assist on the case. As they work to solve the mystery behind the unmarked grave, danger begins to shadow them. Someone doesn't want this dead person telling any tales--and will stop at nothing to make certain a life-shattering secret stays buried.  

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This was my first time reading Irene Hannon and I was not disappointed.  She knows how to right a good mystery.  

The chemistry between the two main characters was obvious from the start and they didn't try to hide it.  I like the fact that she didn't drag out the "I wonder if she's interested in me/I wonder if he's interested in me" scene.  They knew that they liked each other and didn't care to admit it.  My only complaint with this was the book seemed to focus more on their relationship than the actual murder case.

The villain of this story was pretty much insane.  She may have not been diagnosed as being crazy, but the way she kept going with her awful schemes pretty much confirms it.  

This is a great romantic-suspense book.  I'm looking forward to the next book.   

Read more about the book here.

I RECEIVED THIS COMPLIMENTARY BOOK FOR FREE FROM REVELL PUBLISHERS FOR REVIEW PURPOSES.

 

"Anna's Crossing"

Suzanne Woods Fisher

April 15th, 1737, Rotterdam Germany, Anna sets foot on the ship The Charming Nancy.  Even though she doesn't want to leave her family and community of Amish believers, she is going out of duty because she alone can speak English.  She had heard horror stories of ocean voyages, but is still going to America for freedom to worship.

On board ship they face many hardships and discomforts, even death.  But they are trusting in God to see them through.  They even gave half of their water to a slave ship they encountered on the high seas.  

The ship's carpenter, Bairn, resents the "Peculiar People", as the deck hands call the Amish.  But Anna's faith and trust in God begins to chip away at his hard exterior.  

Anna cannot understand what is happening to her heart.  How can she be falling for someone outside of her Amish faith? she knows that this is forbidden.

Join Anna on this journey of life and death and see how God works things out when we trust Him.

*********************************************

I had a difficult time getting drawn into this book and becoming interested.  Once the story was underway and the ship out to sea, I found it easier to follow.  There were a few surprises, twists and turns along the way.  There were also a few crude happenings that I didn't think were necessary to the furtherance of the story line.  I was able to understand the discomforts and hardships without these images in my mind.  It did stop and make me think about what the pilgrims, puritans and immigrants endured to have freedom in America.  

The author did research and many of the instances that happened in the book were indeed fact.  There was a ship names The Charming Nancy.  Immigrants were taken advantage of and swindled because of their language barrier.  They trusted the wrong people who only wanted their money.  

If you read this book, read the notes from the author at the end of the book. 

Read more about the book here.

I RECEIVED THIS COMPLIMENTARY BOOK FOR FREE FROM REVELL PUBLISHERS FOR REVIEW PURPOSES.

 

 "Surprised by Love"

Julie Lessman

When Megan McClare left San Francisco to study in Paris, she was an "ugly duckling".  But with the help of a good teacher, she blossomed into a beautiful swan.  She became so beautiful, that when she returns home, people don't recognize her.

She returns to California and accepts an internship at the district attorney's office.  But she regrets her decision when she learns she will be working with Devin Caldwell.  When they were in school, he called her 'fatso" and "four eyes".  Yet she liked him tremendously.  

Not knowing how to deal wit hteh situation, she turns to her best friend, Bram Hughes for advice.  But Bram's vision is clouded by his attraction to the new Meg, who until now, he had always thought of as a little sister.

Bram has his own set of problems and obligations to his family.  Obligations so strong, he consents to marry a girl he doesn't love.

Devin claims he has changed, but has he really?  

****************************************************************

I found this book hard to "get into".  Once I did , it was somewhat interesting.  It contained many sub plots and reminded me of a soup opera.  But everything turns out in the end.

Read more about the book here. 

I RECEIVED THIS COMPLIMENTARY BOOK FROM REVELL PUBLISHERS FOR REVIEW PURPOSES.

 

"A Promise To Protect"

Patricia Bradley

After many years, Leigh Sommerall returns to her hometown of Logan Point to live with her brother.  Tony is the only family she has left, aside from her son, T.J.  She is just settling in and getting somewhat use to being back home, but when her brother is suddenly murdered, she can't get away fast enough.  Only, she can't get away.  Tony made Ben, her former boyfriend, promise to protect Leigh and T.J.  Leigh is not too thrilled with this idea especially since she can't stand Ben anymore.

Ben is now trying to fill in his father's shoes as being sheriff of Logan Point.  His father has suffered a stroke and now can't communicate.  Trying to solve his father's previous cases, Tony's murder and now protecting Leigh and T.J., his plate is full.  Ben also finds out that Leigh still has the same affect on him as she did in high school.  What he can't figure out is why Leigh can't stand him and the secret that she seems to have.

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From page one, this book is filled with suspense.  A Promise to Protect has it all, arson, kidnapping, murder, romance and more!  The characters were well-defined and likeable.  (most of them, not the bad guys obviously)  There was a lot going on in this book, but not so much to where it was confusing.  Even though it is book two, it's a stand alone novel as well.  The lessons in this book are about forgiveness, trust, mercy, and accepting God's care.

Read more about this book here. 

I RECEIVED THIS COMPLIMENTARY BOOK FROM REVELL PUBLISHERS FOR REVIEW PURPOSES.